Iran warns of ‘regional war’ if US attacks
Iran issued a stern warning as President Donald Trump builds up America’s military presence in the Middle East.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Sunday that an attack from the United States could result in a regional war in the Middle East, a stern threat as President Donald Trump weighs potential military action. “The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said. “We are not the instigators, we are not going to be unfair to anyone, we don’t plan to attack any country. But if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them.”Trump has been urging Iran to negotiate a deal to dismantle its nuclear program. His administration has been building up America’s military presence in the region as a pressure tactic. When asked Saturday night if he had made a final decision on military strikes, Trump said, “I mean, I certainly can’t tell you that, but we do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know.”Trump said he hoped the Iranians would negotiate “something that’s acceptable.””They are talking to us, seriously talking to us,” Trump added.The Trump administration bombed three Iranian nuclear sites last year, prompting a more limited retaliation from Iran at the time. Activity at two of those sites suggests Iran may be trying to obscure the view of satellites as it attempts to salvage what remains there, according to the Associated Press.Tensions have also escalated in recent weeks over anti-government protests in Iran. President Trump previously threatened military intervention to stop the killing of peaceful demonstrators. This weekend, Iran’s supreme leader likened those nationwide protests to a coup, hardening the government’s position and renewing concerns about the possibility of mass executions for those arrested.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Sunday that an attack from the United States could result in a regional war in the Middle East, a stern threat as President Donald Trump weighs potential military action.
“The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said. “We are not the instigators, we are not going to be unfair to anyone, we don’t plan to attack any country. But if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them.”
Trump has been urging Iran to negotiate a deal to dismantle its nuclear program. His administration has been building up America’s military presence in the region as a pressure tactic.
When asked Saturday night if he had made a final decision on military strikes, Trump said, “I mean, I certainly can’t tell you that, but we do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know.”
Trump said he hoped the Iranians would negotiate “something that’s acceptable.”
“They are talking to us, seriously talking to us,” Trump added.
The Trump administration bombed three Iranian nuclear sites last year, prompting a more limited retaliation from Iran at the time. Activity at two of those sites suggests Iran may be trying to obscure the view of satellites as it attempts to salvage what remains there, according to the Associated Press.
Tensions have also escalated in recent weeks over anti-government protests in Iran.
President Trump previously threatened military intervention to stop the killing of peaceful demonstrators.
This weekend, Iran’s supreme leader likened those nationwide protests to a coup, hardening the government’s position and renewing concerns about the possibility of mass executions for those arrested.
